This upcoming weekend is going to be a busy one.  If you don't have plans yet - here are some great events to check out.

I will be kicking off Saturday morning with a brisk run - put some warm gear on and come join me...

What better to do after a run - pull up a bucket and dangle a line in the icy Lake Winona water.  I haven't picked up my license yet, but I will be stopping to cheer all the contestants on...Not sure if cheering is a good thing at a fishing contest.

And to complete a great day - I plan to lace up my bowling shoes for the 
2nd Annual Team Vogel vs Cancer Bowling Tournament.  

Even if you are not registered for the bowling tournament - please feel free to stop in at Westgate and join the fun.  Last year was a blast and I expect nothing less this year.  A few moments captured from last years event...

I can't wait for Saturday to get here - I've been stretching and polishing by bowling ball all weekend.  

Cheers to a good week!
Love and Hugs - 
Rach

As I was driving home this morning, I started to think about what to blog about...I could talk about this - ramble about that...  Then I pulled into my sister's and decided I would ask for their advice.  So - I asked Kirsten, Payton and Amanda - Can you give me a piece of advice, a short story, or thought that would be good for the blog today?  Enjoy...

Kirsten was the first to chime in with a story - prior to me even asking.  She shared an event from last night.  The family was in the living room, when their dog, Sadie, got up from where she was sitting, walked to a different location, passed gas and then looked as confused as could be...wondering where the heck did that come from.  It is hard for me to do this story justice - Kirsten was giggling all while telling it - possibly middle school humor...OK, I think it's hilarious too.  Crazy as it sounds - it just made me chuckle and think of Joe.  He found things like this comical and I know he was laughing just as hard as Kirsten.  To conclude this fabulous short story...Dogs pass gas too - and try to pretend it wasn't them :).

Then came Payton's words of wisdom...  When there is snow, shovel your driveway.  If you happen to be searching for a snow blower - he recommends the John Deer brand.  Short - sweet and useful.

After the kid's thoughts - I looked to my sister - who was being pulled in a 1,000 directions and just wanting to kick back...  She said, "One thing at a time."  :).

Thanks to the Fam for helping with the blog today.  I truly appreciate your humor, love and advice.  Before I sign off - here are my thoughts for the week...

Sending my love and hope all of you signed up for the 2nd Annual Bowling Tournament have started stretching.  The tournament is filled - thank you to everyone who signed up and especially to Mr. Brad for all your organizing.  Cheers to a good week.

Love - Rach

As I look through emails about different things going on around us, I can't help but reflect on how much Joe wanted to be involved and help others.  He was not worried about who was hosting the event - who was attending...  He was worried about promoting awareness and teaming up with others to "Pay it Forward" and make a difference.  I loved this about Joe and miss seeing him gear up to donate something for a silent auction - spread the word about an upcoming benefit ... and mostly - I miss reading his entries (on caring bridge).  

I would like to share with you an opportunity to find out more information on the Relay for Life Event that will be held on August 10th, 2012.  This a chance to ask questions - see what the event is all about and get ideas of how to create a successful team.  Hope to see some of you here -

You can also find more information on facebook at -
RelayForLifeofWinonaCountyMN

Before I sign off and head for a run myself - I just want to remind everyone, we are taking Family Nominations at this time for the 2012 fundraiser.  If you know a family dealing with cancer , or your own family - please consider nominating the family (or your own) to benefit from the 2012 fundraising efforts.

The nomination tab is on the homepage (very top of page) or you can select the link below.
Family Nominations

Sending my Love - 
Rach

Where Peace can be Found…

Being a beach body – I can’t complain about the weather so far this winter.  Although I wasn’t wearing my swimsuit, I had the opportunity to get outside today and go for a hike.  It was amazing – refreshing and so good for the soul.  Climbing through the woods and taking everything in, I realized how amazing the simple things are.  In true Rachel fashion – I tripped over a log and ended up finding a cool fossil.  Talk about perfecting timing to not pick up my feet :).   Hoping many of you had a moment to get outside and take in the sunshine.

 I was able to spend my first night in my new house last night.  It was amazing to sleep in my own place – in my own bed and just feel somewhat settled.  It has been a crazy few years (remodeling the apartment – trying to find the new me…) and this is one piece that is now falling into place.  Waking up – looking out my window and seeing the bluffs – not hearing renters above me and knowing I get to do this again and again – AMAZING!

On a search to simplify life and find peace in every area – I realized, I often stress myself out trying to accomplish 100 things in a day (I’m sure many of you are the same way.)  So this year – I set a new years resolution (not something I typically do for I feel you should always be trying to better your life).  This year – I will set one goal per day.  I choose one task I want to accomplish for the day and then whatever else gets done is extra.  So – far it has brought me peace.

Before I sign off and leave you for the week, I must say – although all these things have brought me peace – the words “I’m sorry” meant the most to me this weekend and brought peace my way.  All I can say is thank you.

Signing off and hoping all of you have peace this week.

Love - Rach

This past week - I've been relaxing, working a bit, and gearing up for the Team Vogel Season.  While reading through some emails - I was truly touched by one, and couldn't have found a better way to say what Team Vogel is all about...

"We're all in this together."

As we gear up for the 3rd Annual Team Vogel vs Cancer Fundraiser, it is impossible to not be overwhelmed...The support that has come from friends, co-workers, the community and strangers is unbelievable.  I can only imagine Joe's expression - an expression of pride - gratefulness - and thankfulness.

With the rolling around of a new year, we are now accepting nominations.  If you or someone you know is dealing with Cancer (in the Winona Area), and could use additional support, please take a moment to submit a nomination.  (The nomination form can be found on the home page or by clicking the link below.)

www.TeamVogelvsCancer.com

We will be accepting nominations through April 1st, 2012.  All Team Vogel outings (fundraisers) will help raise money for selected  families, the Oasis Fund (Franciscan Skemp) and to help support cancer research (Gunderson Lutheran).

If you have any questions - concerns, please email [email protected].

Which leads me to our first event of 2012....

If you are interested in participating - please contact Brad (see above flyer).  The bowling tournament was a blast last year, and I look forward to what this year will bring.  I know space is filling up fast - but know everyone is welcome to stop in at any time and cheer on the bowlers.  Hosting the tournament at Westgate this year will allow for more spectators :).  

Well - before I sign off here for the day, I would like to wish all of you the best in 2012.  Hard to believe another year is here - but according to our holiday photos - Mr. Joe is still sparkling and watching over all of us.  Some fun holiday pictures featuring - Joe Vogel :)...

Sending my love and hugs - 
Rach